Curaçao Reform: Current Status and Updates

Mandatory forms for the application of an Online Gaming license or a Supplier License. A definitive license is issued for an indefinite period, subject to revocation or suspension. In the second phase the CGA focuses on additional regulatory requirements under the LOK. In the first phase the CGA evaluates the integrity of the applicant, as well as the applicant’s financial stability.

• Depending on your specific specifications there may be different requirements.
• As of now, the LOK’s draft remains within the legislative channels, with no accompanying secondary legislation or regulations presented to the public.
• We offer a comprehensive range of services, including bank account opening, software procurement, and merchant account acquisition, to facilitate the seamless commencement of your online business.
• The pricing can change with time, so it is essential to follow the changes and check the information with regulatory bodies.

The requirements are rigorous, mandating that the platform and all games undergo mandatory certification by an independent testing house. This includes verifying the Random Number Generator (RNG), testing cybersecurity posture (Penetration Testing), and maintaining immutable audit trails. The CGA demands enhanced scrutiny, requiring deep Shareholder Due curacao casino Diligence Curacao for all Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs). For players, operators must implement stringent risk-based programs for verifying the Source of Funds (SOF) and continuously monitor transactions. Its mandate is to centralize oversight, enforce stringent AML/KYC Compliance and Responsible Gaming Policy Curacao standards, and conduct mandatory, active supervision over all licensed entities.

As Curacao’s licensing framework evolves, keeping up with the latest requirements and regulations is crucial for compliance. The strategic enhancements to Curacao’s system highlight its dedication to a transparent, secure, and competitive iGaming ecosystem. This commitment reinforces its attractiveness to both new and existing operators. The broader implications of these reforms on the industry and Curacao’s position within it remain to be fully understood. However, the shift towards greater transparency and security is poised to foster trust among players and potentially expand the market for operators. For Curacao, these changes represent a critical evolution in its regulatory approach.

This overview details the evolution of licensing fees from the previous structure to the new charges for a B2C (Business-to-Consumer) license. Successful completion of this detailed review leads to the issuance of a license. This license grants the holder the right to operate within Curacao’s jurisdiction for one year.

New updates on Curacao gaming license new regulation by the Curacao Gaming Authority in summer 2023

A declaration by law must be obtained as the initial step before proceeding with any business registration activities. Operators must maintain at least one physical server within Curacao’s borders, guaranteeing proper data management and regulatory oversight. This requirement applies to both B2B service providers and B2C operators offering direct gaming services to players. Dependless whether your business is small or not, the process of application is strictly formed and is valid for any size and type of a gambling company. You must meet the requirements regarding the necessary documents and fill in three forms which you must download to the website of the responsible entity.

If you come prepared with all the necessary documentation and meet the legal requirements, you could be up and running in as little as 1 to 2 months. Below is a detailed breakdown of the Curacao gaming license cost, including setup, compliance, and optional service fees. Holders of gambling licenses in Curacao are required to maintain separate records for games, submit reports, and comply with administrative reporting requirements.

The new authority will issue independent B2C and B2B licenses, with already licensed companies under the previous regime having a chance to express interest in a new permission. The consequences of operating without a gambling license are serious, with unlicensed casinos developing a bad reputation among players. Providers of software and services to the online gaming industry are the target audience for the Curacao Gaming License B2B. With this permit, these businesses can sell their wares to legally operating businesses without needing a permit of their own. Gambling businesses that would prefer not to go through the time-consuming and costly process of getting their own license might benefit financially from the B2B license.

A qualified Compliance Officer plays a central role in this process, overseeing the implementation of CDD (Customer Due Diligence), AML and KYC procedures. The Compliance Officer will monitor suspicious transactions, train staff, keep detailed transaction records, and provide all the data for audits. In the past, it was common for dishonest operators to use their B2C status to issue unofficial sublicenses. A new framework replaces the previous system of licensing in Curacao with a direct licensing regime from the government body. GBO’s team of experienced professionals are committed to providing you licensing, corporate & banking solutions to your business needs in different areas and across various jurisdictions.

Van Holland Curaçao helps you with planning, implementation and international business support. Applicants must compile these filled forms along with the requisite documents and upload them to the designated portal. Thus, complying with the newly introduced regulations can be a challenging task for new casinos. So, make sure to consider extra 3-8 weeks for opening a bank account once license is issued.

With its straightforward application process, transparent requirements, and comprehensive regulatory framework, Curaçao is an ideal choice for startups and established businesses in the online gaming sector. In the evolving online gaming landscape, obtaining a legitimate license is crucial for businesses seeking credibility and compliance. Curaçao’s regulatory framework has undergone significant updates with the introduction of the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK), which came into effect on December 24, 2024. This new legislation replaces the previous National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Hazard (NOOGH) and establishes modernized processes and requirements for licensing.

Q6. AIS Technolabs can help acquire a Curacao iGaming license in what ways?

One license covers all games such as online casinos, slots, sports betting, eSports, lottery, and games of skill and chance. For an owner, the added benefits are that Curacao does not charge any VAT, has a low corporate income tax, and does not levy any tax on bets. Curacao has a progressive legislative system with a long history of political stability.

This change, driven by a Dutch reform initiative, aimed to streamline the licensing process, enhance the jurisdiction’s reputation, and promote a more unified and transparent regulatory framework. The Curacao gaming license, popular for its flexibility and accessibility, has seen significant updates recently. This guide provides all the information you need to understand the current landscape, opportunities, and application procedure for the Curacao iGaming license.

It covers the interests of online casinos, sport betting and online games of all kinds. For the B2B licence, the focus is less on the type of activity and more on the services provided. This licence is ideally suited for entities like game developers or software vendors.

The Curaçao license offers some strategic benefits for online gaming businesses. At first, the jurisdiction has a long-standing reputation and is recognised by banks, payment processors, and gaming software providers. A crystal clear direct application system makes it even better, minimizing loopholes to bypass the law. Moreover, compliance with international standards adds credibility to its holders. Online gaming operators have a reliable regulatory framework in Anjouan, a small Indian Ocean island. Online gaming operators can operate safely and legally with an Anjouan gaming license cost.

The regulatory hardening of the Curacao Gambling License requires a nuanced strategic assessment compared to other jurisdictions. In 2026, Curacao is no longer competing solely on price but on efficiency, technology, and flexible market access. The annual license renewal is not an automatic administrative step; it is a full review designed to verify continuous compliance across all operational domains. The Curacao Gambling License is territorial, granting the holder the legal right to operate from Curacao. However, the operator must legally manage where their services are offered globally. The integration of game providers must also adhere to CGA standards, establishing a traceable chain of compliance.

Since February 2019, the board is responsible for the AML/CFT supervision for the entire gaming industry operating on and from Curacao. In March 2020, the board was charged with the licensing for and supervision of the Curacao online gaming sector on behalf of the Minister of Finance. The government is modernizing its gambling legislation to bring it in line with international standards and adopt a responsible gaming policy for all licensed gaming activities in the jurisdiction. The Gaming Control Board will be converted into a new independent licensing and supervisory authority for all games of chance under this new law.

Machine Learning (ML) in Predictive Responsible Gaming

This is no longer merely a low-cost, fast-track option; it is a serious, internationally recognized jurisdiction demanding operational maturity and verifiable compliance across all facets of the business. The regulatory framework requires casinos to conduct regular audits, monitor player activities, and report suspicious transactions to the Financial Intelligence Unit. The transition from the master license system has strengthened oversight capabilities and enhanced player protections. These responsible gaming measures protect players while maintaining the integrity of gaming operations through strict accountability and enforcement mechanisms. While sublicenses offered a more accessible entry point into the market with their one-year renewable terms, they restricted operators to specific gaming services and required dependence on master license holders.

With recent regulatory changes, applicants must demonstrate strong operational policies, responsible gamingmeasures, and financial stability to secure approval. At GBO, we simplify the entire licensing journey by guiding you through every step—fromcompany formation to final approval—ensuring a seamless and efficient application process. Curaçao’s gaming industry operates through a tiered licensing system that includes Master Licenses and Sublicenses, with recent legislation introducing B2B and B2C categories.